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View Full Version : Making the jump from cinema to other apps

projectk
07-22-2005, 08:11 AM
So basically, i'm working in this studio and they've asked that i learn 3D studio max. I have only been using cinema for probably less than a year (no prior 3D to that), so i'm a little concerned about the differences and such.

So my question is: Will a lot of my knowledge i gained in cinema be useful in studio max? I am rather concerned i'm not going to be able to pick it up fast enough as i found when i started using windows it was like almost relearning how to use a computer (mainly for lack of shortcuts or OS differences after using a mac for 10 years)

Anyone have any comments or advice about max, or even about swapping models between them?


I don't plan on leaving cinema 4D for good, i'm still using it at home.
Rabbitroo
07-22-2005, 01:52 PM
If you've developed the artistic skills (modelling, texturing, lighting, animating, etc.) you should find they'll move with you from package-to-package. Over the years I've worked in several major packages (mostly Lightwave, Maya, and C4D) without problem. Heck, I even learned a few things from Hash's clever-little Animmation:Master (it wasn't so stable in those days, but very clever in carrying through some interesting concepts.)

-K
AdamT
07-22-2005, 01:55 PM
I have a tiny bit of experience using Max. I used the demo for about 60 days (30 days on two machines :)) so I could use Maxwell Render before the Cinema plugin was available. So I was mainly just importing scenes, assigning materials, setting up cameras, and doing a little modeling. I found it pretty easy to pick up, and I didn't read the manual at all (which would help of course). You'll have to get used to the history stack, where most operations are "modifiers", and viewport navigation is quite different (and horrible IMO).

In short, as long as you dedicate yourself to it and read the manual I don't think you should have any problems. The concepts/skills are basically the same from one app to the next.
Stain777
07-22-2005, 03:03 PM
The biggest problem, IMHO, that you're going to have with Max is where the hells to find the tools. Max uses the right side pallete to bury tools 2, 3, 4 levels deep. You already have to know where you're going to get there.

Having said that, Max is a great app with lots, and lots of rich features and a heck-a good rendering engine (not as fast as C4D though).

Dig in and learn where to find your favorite tools for modelling, then spread out from there to find your secondary tools, etc. Not intuitive as they've been at the feature war for a lot of years. They've shoe-horned gobs of stuff into very tiny places and making it all fit can be very kludgey.

As has been said, read the manual. Huge community for support, and tons of books to walk you through any aspect.

Good luck!
JamesMK
07-22-2005, 03:13 PM
Personal preferences will vary a lot of course, but IMHO Max is really easy to come to terms with, at least compared to the other biggies.

Let us know your first record in number of crashes a day when you're up and running :D
projectk
07-23-2005, 10:06 AM
<b>Let us know your first record in number of crashes a day when you're up and running </b>

oh dear. :) I look forward to that.


Thanks guys.
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